The move made sense to Outword CEO and Publisher Fred Palmer, who notes “more and more media are going online.”

“Over the course of the last several months we have been hearing about 'fake news' and I really thought we need to make sure that the LGBT voices continue to be heard,” Palmer said. The response to Outword California has been “overwhelming,” according to Palmer. “It was beyond my expectations.”

Palmer believes the aftermath of the 2016 election shook up the LGBT community, and the need for a forum to express differing views is more crucial than before, he said.

“No matter who you voted for, there's a lot of issues, a lot of people feeling anxiety. People feeling like their voice doesn't count,” Palmer said. “I think a lot of people in [the LGBT community] are scared about what's going to happen next.”

Palmer cited LGBT publications which have closed their doors in recent years, which exacerbated a need for corporate advertisers interested in reaching LGBT audiences.

Palmer noted that California has one of the largest economies in the world, due to the state's thriving film and television industry, the wine industry, and travel and tourism. The new site showcases the best the state has to offer, Palmer explained.

In addition, Outword California is “putting out a positive message” for the LGBT community, Palmer said. “There are a lot of positive stories to tell.”

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About Press Pass Q

Rivendell Media publishes Press Pass Q, the only trade publication for professionals working in LGBT media. Now published in blog format, Press Pass Q includes news and commentary about issues and trends in the LGBT media industry.